London is a bustling and vibrant metropolis that is considered by many to be one of the most important capitals in Europe. Founded by the Romans during antiquity, it is strategically located in an area which is accessible by multiple roads, which makes it easy to traverse via London coach hire. Check out some great ideas for day trips that you can consider.
Windsor
The biggest attraction here is Windsor Castle, but visitors can also enjoy river lunch cruises, world class race courses, and lots of museums. It is about forty minutes away from Central London, and is home to Legoland, one of the nation’s biggest and most exciting theme parks.
Painshill Park
This park is 250 acres in size and is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. Designed during the 1700s, it was created to be completely distinct, with a damaged abbey, Alpine valley, Roman amphitheatre, Gothic Temple and more. It can be reached in about 45 minutes from downtown London, and is a place you won’t want to miss.
Colchester
Colchester has the distinction of being one of England’s oldest towns. At one point it was used as the capital, and has a number of sites which are historically significant. It takes about 2 hours to reach from Central London but will be well worth it when you arrive.
Salisbury
Salisbury is arguably the most popular destination on this list, due to one ancient attraction that has become world famous: Stonehenge. Historians still debate about what Stonehenge was actually built for, but what isn’t in dispute is the awe it inspires in those who see it. Salisbury is also the place where the Magna Carta was written and has a cathedral with the tallest spire in the country.
Hever Castle
The United Kingdom, like other parts of Europe, is a real treasure trove for anyone who is interested in the Middle Ages or Medieval times. Hever Castle was constructed in 1270, and is most famous for being the residence of Anne Boleyn when she was young. Despite its age the castle has been remarkably well preserved, and visitors can get to enjoy festivals, a water maze and jousting tournaments.
Oxford
Oxford is best known for being home to the University of the Same Name, which has played a crucial role in the development of the city since its founding in 1096. Graduates have included too many prime ministers and Nobel laureates to count, and visitors will get a chance to experience the spectacular architecture along with some of the best museums in the country.
Brighton
Those who enjoy being close to water will love Brighton. Here you can relax in deck chairs while enjoying fish and chips from one of the local restaurants, or tour the local aquarium, which is said to be the oldest in the world. There are lots of piers, pavilions which have been constructed in the Indian style, and flea markets where you can find all sorts of souvenirs and goods. Brighton is about 2 hours away from Central London.
Cambridge
This is another university town which is home to Cambridge University, which was founded in 1209 and is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. It is slightly smaller than Oxford but rivals it in terms of the alumni it has produced. The architecture is also stunning.
Bexhill On Sea
This is a small seaside town that has become famous for its Tudor cottages, as well as the De La Warr pavilion. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants and wash it down with a pint of beer.
Canterbury
This town is most famous for being the home of the Canterbury Cathedral, one of the country’s oldest Christian structures. It has been designated a World Heritage Site and people travel here annually from all over the world to make pilgrimages. The Cathedral was first constructed in 597, and over the centuries has been rebuilt multiple times.
Whitstable
Those looking for a day trip by the sea won’t go wrong with this destination. The town has become well known for its oysters, which are served both in restaurants and sold on the nearby beach, along with its museum, harbour market and castle.